24 OCTOBER 1952, Page 5

Mr. John Braithwaite is a popular and efficient chairman of

the London Stock Exchange, but he has not—assuming the remarks attributed to him in a New York message to be authentic—realised how unwise it is for an Englishman to intrude into American politics. He appears to have said that he spoke for the whole of England—except perhaps some Socialists—in declaring " We like Ike," and to have added that " the English are predominantly pro-Ike." Even if that were so it is highly important not to say so. And I do not for a moment believe it is so. Mr. Henry Ford, on returning to his own country from Europe, said he was astonished to find what numbers of people in Britain and France favoured Stevenson. Large numbers of people undoubtedly do. While recognising that the question whom America elects is America's business and no one else's, they feel that on the campaign speeches Governor Stevenson has shown himself the better man, and their fears that an outstanding soldier might find ' himself at sea in politics seem to be confirmed. But that does not make them " pro " anyone. It is not their business to be.

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